Dear Applicant,
Skomer Island NNR, Pembrokeshire
Skomer Warden
In 1959 the Nature Conservancy bought Skomer Island for the nation with the assistance of a public
appeal run by the West Wales Field Society. The 292ha island was declared a National Nature
Reserve soon after its purchase, and since that time has been managed through a partnership
between these two organisations and their successors. Today the owners of Skomer Island, the
Countryside Council for Wales, lease the island to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
(WTSWW) on a 25 year lease running to 2026. The day-to-day management of both the nature
conservation and visitor aspects of the island are the responsibility of the Trust. Skokholm was
bought by the Trust in 2006 and has recently appointed a new warden to oversee the final stages of
a renovation project, manage the island as a nature reserve and to develop Skokholm Island as a
recognised Bird Observatory. The Skokholm Warden is line managed by the Skomer Warden. The
research and monitoring programme on the islands is agreed between the Trust and CCW, with
advice from the Island’s Advisory Committee, and also contributed to by the JNCC. The research is
aimed at furthering knowledge of the special features of these sites which also forms part of the
Skomer and Skokholm SPA. We are very fortunate to also have a close relationship with the
Friends of the Islands who support most aspects of Island management, particularly on Skokholm
Island.
WTSWW are now looking for an exceptional candidate
to take on this important position, managing two of the
key NNRs in Wales, and flagship reserves for the Trust.
The overall purpose of the role is to manage Skomer
Island National Nature Reserve in accordance with the
approved Management Plan, to enhance the
conservation programme and visitor experience through
the ongoing development of the Management Plan as
well as to support the Skokholm Warden with the
conservation and management of Skokholm Island. The
Wildlife Trust is also responsible for all the building maintenance on the island. Despite being an
island you will need to be able to share it with 1000s of people every year. The warden must have
excellent interpersonal skills.
Skomer supports approximately one third of the world’s breeding population of Manx Shearwater, in
addition to the largest Puffin colony in southern Britain and the largest populations of Kittiwake,
Guillemot and Razorbill in Wales. As well as being a NNR, the island lies within Wales’ only Marine
Nature Reserve, is part of the Pembrokeshire Islands Marine Special Area of Conservation, and
along with adjacent Skokholm Island is a Special Protection Area for its seabirds. In addition to its
importance in terms of natural heritage, Skomer is very important for its cultural heritage; most of
the island is a Scheduled Ancient Monument for the Iron Age/Prehistoric remains, and the whole
island identified as a Landscape of Historic Importance. Over the years the island has proved to be
a focus for artists and writers as well as scientists and natural historians.
Skomer is visited by up to 250 visitors a day in peak season (occasionally this rises to 300),
including educational groups, with overnight guests wanting to experience Skomer at night with all
that offers, particularly the spectacular return to the island of the Manx Shearwaters. Balancing the
wildlife and visitor interests are a large part of this role.
For an insight into island life visit the additional information sheet and the Skomer Blog
http://skomerisland.blogspot.co.uk/.
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
General Terms and Conditions:
Duration of post:
Pay:
Hours of work:
Holidays:
Permanent
£17,000
Up to 48 hours per week.
The post may sometimes involve working long
days and / or unsociable hours. The Trust does not operate an overtime
system but a time off in lieu system is in operation.
20 days initially (rises by 1 day per year up to a limit of 25 days) plus statutory
days and any additional days granted by the Trustees to all staff
Closing dates for applicants:
Deadline for applicants: 10am Monday 3rd December 2012
Invitation for interviews by 10th December 2012
Interviews: 17 December 2012 (Pembrokeshire)
Anticipated start date for job: 21 January 2013
Application forms are available from http://www.welshwildlife.org/about-us/jobs/
Or contact Wendy-Barnes Jones on 01239 621600.
Please submit with a covering letter. CVs will not be considered.
Completed application forms:
Please email them to w.barnes-jones@welshwildlife.org
Or post to:
Skomer Island Application
The Welsh Wildlife Centre
Cilgerran
Cardigan
Pembrokeshire
SA43 2TB
If you would like more information or have an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Dr Lizzie Wilberforce : l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.org
Or Sarah Kessell: s.kessell@welshwildlife.org.
Both can be contacted via 01656 724100.
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
-
Skomer Island Warden (job share considered for a couple)
TEAM
-
Conservation
WORKING BASE
-
Skomer Island , Pembrokeshire
RESPONSIBLE TO
-
Conservation Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR
-
Skokholm Warden (permanent position)
Assistant Warden
Field Assistant
Hostel Warden
Volunteers (including Long-Term Volunteers)
Contractors – as required
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day to day management of Skomer Island National Nature Reserve;
 The management of visitors to the island
 The line management of island staff, volunteers, researchers and contractors and
 To provide input into the strategic views of the island.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The day to day management of Skomer Island National Nature Reserve
i.
Habitat and species management;
ii.
Biological surveys in accordance with the management plan (mainly seabird monitoring,
vegetation monitoring, breeding bird surveys);
iii.
Island administration, including financial management, purchasing of supplies, etc;
iv.
Reporting island activities through the Annual Report and reporting to the Islands Advisory
Committee;
v.
Health and Safety matters relating to all activities on the island (risk assessments, training,
emergency procedures) and ensuring different groups are properly instructed on safety
matters relating to them.
vi.
Ongoing buildings maintenance (including water systems, gas, sewage, electrical systems)
vii.
Engine maintenance (including two boat engines, two generators a tractor and small hand
tools)
The management of visitors to the island
i.
To ensure the highest standards of visitor management for both day and residential visitors.
This includes liaison with Dale Sailing, Wildlife/Health and Safety introductory talks,
management of the visitors (using staff and volunteers) whilst on the island to ensure an
enjoyable visit whilst protecting the wildlife on the island and interpretation and information
about the island’s wildlife.
ii.
Promotion of the island (Media, Facebook/Twitter, etc.).
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
The line management of island staff, volunteers, researchers and contractors.
i.
The line management of island staff, contractors and volunteers, and to have responsibility
for research workers. You will line mange an Assistant Warden, a Hostel Warden, a Field
Assistant, up to 6 volunteers and two long term volunteers. You will also be line managing
the Skokholm Warden (permanent position);
ii.
The recruitment and training of all the above.
To provide input into the strategic view of the Islands, including:
i.
Developing and supervise research proposals and fieldwork with guidance from the Islands
Advisory Committee (including SSSI consent applications);
ii.
Develop the Skomer NNR Management Plan;
iii.
Maximising income and the economical running of visitors to the island;
iv.
Provide input and assist with Skokholm renovations and Bird Observatory plans;
v.
Developing draft budget for both islands.
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
JOB SPECIFICATION
 Management and supervision
The post holder will be required to work as part of the Conservation Team under the line
management of the Conservation Manager but with input from members of the Senior Management
Team (SMT) when appropriate. The post holder will be responsible for all the activities listed above.
Because of the nature of the location there will be limited direct supervision and contact with line
manager and SMT will, during the summer season, be mainly by phone and email.
 Accountability and resources
The post holder will be responsible for the safe delivery of practical and survey/monitoring work to
specified and professional standards. The post holder will be responsible for the inspection & basic
maintenance and repairs to buildings, tools, machinery and vehicles and for the reporting of and
defects. They will also be expected to minimise the wastage of materials and resources. The post
holder will be responsible for holding, supervising and budgeting the island’s finances with support
from the Conservation Manager and members of SMT.
 Job impact
This role has significant external impact through media, social media, blogs etc. The warden will be
expected to be the ‘face’ of the island and of the Wildlife Trust.
There is also significant external impact through the management of visitors, volunteers and contact
with partner organisations including government agencies and universities.
There is significant internal & external impact regarding the safe delivery of work and the safety of
visitors to the reserve.
 Independence and judgement
This role requires a significant element of independence and an ability to problem solve on a regular
basis.
 People and contacts
This post will require regular working with a wide range of staff, volunteers and partner
organisations requiring excellent people skills and a breadth of skills in communicating by different
means. Including:
i.
Other Trust staff including the Islands Administrator, Lockley Lodge information staff,
Pembrokeshire Wildlife Trust Officer, Trust Development Manager
ii.
CCW staff, including Regional, MNR and HQ
iii.
Research workers
iv.
Dale Sailing staff
v.
Contractors and maintenance technicians
vi.
Volunteers including Island Advisory Committee members; Friends of Skokholm and Skomer
members
vii.
Media
viii.
Funding agencies/sponsors
When off the island the post holder will be encouraged to promote the island at conferences,
meetings and events, including attendance at the Friends of the Islands reunion in mid-February.
Use of public transport is encouraged, pool cars are available but the use of a private car may be
required.
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
 Creativity and Innovation
The post holder will be expected to bring creativity and innovation to work programming, work
planning and the writing of management plans as well as inputting to the strategic development of
the island as a business.
 Working conditions
The post holder will be based on Skomer between March and November. It will be necessary for the
post holder to arrange winter accommodation (annual leave is usually taken during this time).
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE
-
Skomer Warden
TEAM
-
Conservation
Experience:
i.
a degree/higher degree in a relevant environmental discipline;
ii.
3 + years experience in a relevant role including substantial experience of nature
conservation and nature reserve management;
iii.
substantial experience of visitor management at a high profile site and
iv.
Staff, visitor and volunteer management.
Competency
i.
experience with small boats and offshore boat handling (including RYA Power Boat handling
qualification), their engines, radios and other equipment;
ii.
experience with driving and maintaining tractors
iii.
mechanical aptitude and experience of using and maintaining a range of equipment and
machinery including alternative energy systems, water pumps, generators, etc.;
iv.
experience of conservation management planning, including use of CMS software;
v.
report writing and production;
vi.
Financial planning and management;
vii.
experience of media and public relations (including giving presentations), reserve
interpretation and writing for non-specialists.
Knowledge
i.
Seabird ecology
ii.
Seabird monitoring techniques
iii.
Coastal habitats
iv.
Practical management techniques (use of brushcutters; footpath maintenance; fencing;
grassland management);
v.
Relevant health and safety knowledge and implementation
Personal qualities
i.
friendly outgoing manner
ii.
ability to maintain high levels of enthusiasm and self motivation;
iii.
ability to work on own initiative and co-operate as part of a team;
iv.
integrity, tact and diplomacy, particularly in dealing with members of the public;
v.
mature, flexible approach to work;
vi.
self discipline and resourcefulness;
vii.
commitment to nature conservation.
viii.
Fit and hardy nature, able to embrace living in a remote and exposed situation and work
outside in extremes of weather.
Desirable
i.
experience of working in an island environment.
ii.
Welsh Speaker
Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden
October 2012